Combined Best XI: Sunderland vs. Manchester City

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: Manchester City defender John Stones (r) challenges Jermain Defoe in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Sunderland at Etihad Stadium on August 13, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: Manchester City defender John Stones (r) challenges Jermain Defoe in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Sunderland at Etihad Stadium on August 13, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 04: Jermain Defoe of Sunderland is tackled by James Tomkins of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Sunderland at Selhurst Park on February 4, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 04: Jermain Defoe of Sunderland is tackled by James Tomkins of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Sunderland at Selhurst Park on February 4, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Second Striker – Jermain Defoe

The answer is simple that without Jermain Defoe, Sunderland would not have a chance at surviving this season. At 34-years-old, Defoe has 14 league goals under David Moyes while he tries his best to get Sunderland out of another relegation scrap. His experience to the team is vital, while his ability to score in a number of ways makes him a valuable all-around striker. Defoe will be the #1 weapon for Manchester City to watch on Sunday after netting eight goals against the Citizens in EPL play for his career.

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Manchester City will be favored to win on Sunday away from home, and another victory could see them inch closer to Chelsea at the top. After back-to-back dominating wins in other competitions, Manchester City should have zero problem with a struggling Sunderland side at the Stadium of Light.